Programs

Hazardous Waste Disposal and Special Programs

It is illegal to put hazardous waste into any dumpster or cart (landfill, recycle, or organics). This includes batteries, motor oil, paint, pesticides, cleaning chemicals, etc. Residents can drop off hazardous waste to the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District or drop off select items in their own community!

Electronics

It is illegal to dispose of televisions, computer monitors and most other electronics in the garbage. The cathode ray tubes (CRTs) contain lead and could contaminate water supplies.

Your unwanted and obsolete electronic equipment and appliances are one of the fastest growing waste streams. When discarded in landfills, these items not only lock up components that contain valuable and reusable natural resources, they also contain toxic chemicals that can contaminate soil and groundwater.

Residents: Residents can dispose of unwanted electronics (including monitors and table top-size televisions) curbside at no additional cost on their “Reuse” Day (see Residential Reuse and Cleanup Program for more information). Residents can also dispose of electronic items at no additional charge by calling us at (925) 685-4711 for an e-waste pickup.

Multi-Family: Property managers can collect e-waste and call for a free e-waste pickup.

Another option is donating your equipment to a non-profit or school; you can claim it as a tax deduction.

Household Hazardous Waste

Household hazardous wastes should never be thrown into the trash or washed down the household or storm drains.

Hazardous chemicals, pesticides and paints can "pass through" treatment processes because wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove hazardous chemicals from wastewater. Storm drains flow directly to the Bay without any treatment at all. Groundwater used for drinking or irrigation can be contaminated when household waste products are poured onto or seep into the ground.

Hazardous Waste Disposal Facility for Central Contra Costa County

All hazardous wastes including paint products, solvents, cleaners and pesticides, should be taken to the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District's facility at 4797 Imhoff Place, Martinez. Call 1-800-646-1431 for information and hours or visit the district's website at Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility.

Battery RecyclingIf you live in a single family home: Place batteries in a clear zip lock bag and put them out curbside (on top of blue recycling cart) with the weekly garbage collection or on your Reuse Day. Or you can drop off batteries at one of our local partner retail locations below.

Apartments, Condos, and Businesses: Drop off at one of our local partner retail locations below.

Pharmaceuticals

If you’re like most people, you have accumulated quite a collection of medications—many of which are no longer needed or have expired. Disposing of unwanted medications properly will help to protect your family, community and environment.

Dispose of medications in a pharmaceutical collection bin at one of these locations:

City of Walnut Creek, City Hall Lobby, 1666 North Main Street, Walnut Creek

The hosting organizations listed above are going out of their way to help their communities. Therefore, do not, under any circumstances, leave sharps, medications, or any other products on their property. Doing so could jeopardize the viability of these collection programs.